converting from auto to manual

Hey guys... I recently bought a Tacoma double cab auto. I have always owned manula trucks and I am a little scared about owning this auto! lol
I hunt really hard to where i push snow with the head lights on my out yota pickup... A lot of people who own these trucks down here say that the tranny heats up quick? what have you guys experinced with this?

Im also wondering if any of you have converted auto to standard on the '01 tacomas???